Green groups claim massive win

The group Environmental Justice Australia (EJA) has applauded the decision to scrap T4.

"I think most community members and most community groups in Newcastle will see this as a huge win and a very positive thing for the future of Newcastle," EJA spokesman James Whelan said.

"Globally coal is in decline. It's hitting home in Newcastle. We're a city ready to embrace the future.

"It took a long time for the NSW Government to give approval to this coal terminal and even when it did, it came with some very stringent conditions before the development could go ahead.

"The coal terminal was going to impact on air pollution, water pollution, the environment on Kooragang island, more uncovered coal wagons, more uncovered coal piles. So not entirely a surprise, but very very welcome."

Minerals Council upbeat

The New South Wales Minerals Council said coal exports through Newcastle were expected to continue at, or near, record levels.

"Newcastle will continue to be home to the world's largest coal export port following the announcement from Port Waratah Coal Services on the future of T4," Council CEO Stephen Galilee said.

"Coal export volumes through the Port of Newcastle are at or near record levels, and this is expected to continue, with existing terminal infrastructure capable of handling further increases in export volumes.

"Newcastle's existing coal export infrastructure is highly efficient, providing flexibility of service for ships of different sizes, and has capacity to manage export volumes around 30 percent higher than current record levels.

"This is sufficient to cater for any expected increased demand in the medium term and potential increased production from new and developing future NSW coal projects."

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